I actually agree with Lupe on this one thing. I will never swear my loyalty to a piece of cloth. I am forever thankful of the circumstances of my birth (one more thing none of us has any control over), but if anyone asked me to commit or stand complicit with some of the crimes this nation has committed just because I live here… nah.

The rest of the links are cold. I may not have time to read everything before work… Sigh.

Jay-Z Isn’t Interested In A Career in Politics: yet.
Science Says Playing Violent Video Games Eases Pain. Interesting
50 Cent Explains How To Stop Masturbating, In Four Simple Steps. Why would you want to? Can’t play the game if you never practiced… amiright, fellas? LOL

I do not feel it has anything to do with being ungrateful, but I can speak for no one else but myself.

When I hit high school (freshman year), I stopped pledging allegiance and standing during the national anthem. It caused stares and grumbling only twice (and this was in front of people who live and die for their allegiance and freedom – farmers, cowboys, NRA members – who initially, told me to stand and did not ask). It had nothing to do with my being anti or pro anything – I felt it was as if I were worshiping something that I should not – it did not feel right. Once I explained this to a crowd (who could have easily turned against me)… they never looked my way again. I remember asking if it was a law that we, as Americans, do so (of course I knew it was not). Some thanked me for the reminder that that was freedom in itself.

I no longer hold that mindset. I was a kid, who was grateful that adults understood my beliefs and respected them at the time. No one told me not to do so… it just did not feel right (back then). My parents stood by me and so did my friends and people I did not even know. I remember that period vividly however. I cannot fully explain it. But I have always lived my life by feeling. Nothing caused it. I simply did what I felt, in a respectful manner. As a result, others were respectful in return.

Jay-Z would never last in politics. most rappers would not. that is what i think. it is one thing that obama would get elected but we are many years behind until people take a rapper seriously in politics.

Jay-Z Isn’t Interested In A Career in Politics: yet.
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Yep. Look at Russell. The same guy who specialized in coke & models is now able to call up politicians and activate people for certain causes. So he’s not a politician, but definitely political.